The first thing I designed was for my dolls. I turned shoe boxes into bedrooms using leftover cardboard for furniture. My favorite part was swapping and cutting up their outfits to make them more unique. When my Abuelita from Costa Rica moved in with us, my love for design grew as I watched her create clothes and home decor from scratch. From then on, I knew my path was in fashion design. Starting high school at an arts and communications school inspired me to explore my creative side further. I was motivated to be myself and pursue what I love—fashion. After being encouraged by my guidance counselor, I chose to take the Introduction to Fashion Illustration course at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I had no idea if I would enjoy it; all I could do was gather my materials and wait. Creating my first croquis and learning to render different fabrics to create a resort and sportswear collection was a whirlwind in ten days, but I enjoyed every second. I could express myself fully through my designs and took inspiration from things I deeply admire: travel, music, and subcultures. I envisioned myself in a studio collaborating with my peers and learning from professors with real industry experience. After the class ended, I was confident that fashion was the path I wanted to take. I took my love of fashion from Vogue magazines to starting my own magazine, Criminal Magazine, with a friend. I started after-school sewing classes and became the director of costumes for the Drama Club. Instead of going to lunch, I spent countless hours in my art teacher’s room perfecting my designs. It did not matter that I may have “missed out” because I was doing what I loved. Last Spring, I took this inspiration and applied for and won a scholarship to study Fashion Illustration and Fibers at a pre-college program at Savannah College of Art and Design over summer break. This course opened my eyes to the myriad of opportunities in the field and solidified my choice to study fashion design. I push myself so hard because of my Abuelita’s story. She is an excellent seamstress who could not pursue a career in fashion due to the lack of opportunity for women in Costa Rica in the fifties and sixties. Understanding that her talent was stifled due to societal expectations drove me to seize every opportunity. Even though most design students are female, the top major brands are still led by men. Instead of being treated as only consumers, I hope my work will inspire women to become leaders in the fashion design industry. The passion that first sparked in me as a child—reimagining designs—will push me to pursue my dream of becoming the creative director of my own brand. Through my work, I will redefine beauty standards and create collections that empower women from all backgrounds, ensuring they see themselves reflected in the industry at every level, not just as consumers but as leaders.